Masters Degrees (Epidemiology)

Programme description

Veterinary epidemiology is a key component in the global grand challenges of disease control, food security and climate change. Consequently, there is a need to understand, predict and respond to patterns and dynamics of animal diseases and to control outbreaks.

The R(D)SVS and SRUC partnership creates the greatest concentration of research power in veterinary and agricultural sciences in the UK, and the University of Edinburgh is the top university for veterinary science in the UK (Guardian University League table 2018). So you will be taught by the scientists working at the cutting edge of epidemiological research. The veterinary epidemiology MSc draws on this wealth of experience and research activity to provide scientific knowledge of the fundamental biological processes (e.g. behaviour, physiology, immunology, ecology) and environmental and farming management practices (e.g. husbandry, nutrition, livestock trade) driving disease transmission, persistence, prevalence and spread in livestock production systems. This enables in-depth understanding of complex environmental patterns of animal disease, which facilitates prediction of disease risk and control. This multidisciplinary systems approach to veterinary epidemiology will provide you with the epidemiological skills to make significant contributions to tackling disease outbreaks and maintaining food security in your role as an animal health professional.

By the end of the online veterinary epidemiology MSc programme you will not only have a detailed understanding of the biology driving disease persistence and prevalence, but also how the biology scales up from individuals to populations. You will understand how this interacts with livestock management practices to determine the efficacy of disease control strategies and livestock production. Furthermore, the systems approach to veterinary epidemiology offers a way to frame disease challenges and problem solve disease risk at a range of scales (from veterinarians tackling specific disease outbreaks, to policy makers understanding the consequences of climate change on disease risk).

This online MSc programme provides training in methodological skills for the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies, disease surveillance and disease control in animal populations and wider host communities. You will learn the latest methods in data analysis, statistics and epidemiological modelling, and learn how to present your findings to a wide audience from vets to policy makers.

This online veterinary epidemiology Masters programme is delivered by active researchers presenting their own research, which is placed into context with global grand challenges. As such, you will be exposed to and taught skills required for developing a research career.

Online learning

The programme will use the University of Edinburgh’s award winning online learning environments, which includes video podcasts, interactive web-based discussion forums, and expert tuition.

Programme structure

The Veterinary Epidemiology MSc programme is delivered part-time by online learning over a period of 3-6 years.

You may undertake the programme by intermittent study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a time limit of:
- 1 year for the Certificate in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period 2 years)
- 2 years for the Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period 4 years)
- 3 years for the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period of 6 years including a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your written reflective element to it being completed)

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. Building on the core courses required for the certificate, students may choose to study individual courses to suit their interests, to complete a sufficient number of credits to be awarded the:
- Certificate in Veterinary Epidemiology (60 credits)
- Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology (120 credits)
- MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology (180 credits)

Veterinary epidemiology course topics:
- Introduction to veterinary epidemiology
- Livestock behaviour and disease risk
- Wildlife disease ecology
- Livestock management and disease risk & control
- The host-pathogen arms race
- Climate change and animal health
- Livestock nutrition and disease control
- Rights roles & responsibilities in disease control
- Modelling disease systems & control
- Statistics and research skills
- ‘R’ for Veterinary Epidemiologists

Learning outcomes

By the end of this MSc in veterinary epidemiology you will:
- Be confident in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data, to inform disease control decisions.
- Acquire knowledge about disease systems in livestock production environments and the interactions between the biological and livestock management processes driving disease epidemiology.
- Acquire specific skills to link individual farm environments and management practices to disease risk and production efficiency at farm and national scales.
- Be able to interpret, be critical of and communicate scientific results and information in research.

Career opportunities

The courses and programme as a whole will provide:

- general postgraduate training (e.g. for people in education, government, policy-making, agricultural and veterinary organisations) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment
- general postgraduate training for people considering a career in research (e.g. a precursor to a PhD)
- topic-specific postgraduate training (e.g. for veterinarians for continuing professional development) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment

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In MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate and MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online, you will examine the distribution and determinants of health and morbidity in specific populations. With evidence-based medicine setting new standards, there is a growing need/demand for specialists working on the design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological and health research. This scientific discipline is increasingly in demand in clinical research (human, pharmaceutical, and veterinary), industry, and policy making.

Epidemiology Postgraduate is offered in two variants:
- MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate:

- MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online:

The difference between both master's programmes is the learning method. The course content of the face-to-face programme (Epidemiology Postgraduate) is identical to the online programme (Epidemiology Postgraduate Online). All courses within Epidemiology Postgraduate Online are offered by the platform of Elevate Health.

Please note this Master’s programme is not state funded. This means that the programme has a total tuition fee of € 18,182 for EU students and a total fee of € 27,000 for non-EU students.
For the online Master's programme Elevate Health offers scholarships for talented and motivated students. Please contact [email protected] to find out if you are eligible for such a scholarship.

Programme objective
In both variants of the Epidemiology Postgraduate programme you will learn to operate as an epidemiologist and clinical researcher.
The program consists of core courses (20 EC), specialization courses (14 EC), and a research project (56 EC).

- MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate: In this programme, you will spend about six months completing compulsory theoretical courses, the core courses. You will spend 13 EC (face-to-face programme) or 14 EC (online programme) to the specialization courses. Research Project (56 EC).You are required to complete a research project during your studies.

- MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online: In the online variant you choose between specializations in Clinical Epidemiology, Veterinary Epidemiology and General Epidemiology. The research project can be conducted at your own location in cooperation with one of the participating institutes and supervised by a faculty staff member from Utrecht University.

The programme is taught by internationally renowned lecturers such as professors Rick Grobbee, MD PhD FESC and Arno Hoes, MD PhD, both famous within the field of epidemiology. Our online programme gives you maximal flexibility and time-efficiency to learn at the time and location most convenient to you, what makes this programme very practical in combination with a career. Utrecht University and the University Medical Center Utrecht have an outstanding academic reputation and are reputable partners that Elevate Health is proud to work with. MSc Epidemiology, the regular, 2 years face-to-face master programme is evaluated as #1 Master's programme in the Dutch Master's Selection Guide 2015!

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This course equips students with the knowledge and statistical skills to make valuable contributions to medical research as well as public health in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Epidemiological methods underpin clinical medical research, public health practice and health care evaluation to investigate the causes of disease and to evaluate interventions to prevent or control disease.

Graduates enter careers in medical research, public health and community medicine, epidemiological field studies, drug manufacturers, government or NGOs.

The Nand Lal Bajaj and Savitri Devi Prize is awarded to the best project each year. The prize was donated by Dr Subhash Chandra Arya, former student, in honour of his parents Dr Nand Lal Bajaj and Mrs Savitri Devi.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/epi_progspec.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mse.html

Additional Requirements

Additional requirements for the MSc Epidemiology are:

- evidence of numeracy skills (e.g. A level Mathematics or Statistics or a module with a good mark in their university degree)

- it is preferable for a student to have some work experience in a health-related field

Any prospective student who does not meet the above minimum entry requirement, but who has relevant professional experience, may still be eligible for admission. Please contact the course directors ([email protected]) if you are not sure whether this is the right course for you.

Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and awareness of the role of epidemiology and its contribution to other health-related disciplines

- choose appropriate designs and develop detailed protocols for epidemiological studies

- enter and manage computerised epidemiological data and carry out appropriate statistical analyses

- assess the results of epidemiological studies (their own or other investigators'), including critical appraisal of the study question, study design, methods and conduct, statistical analyses and interpretation

Structure

Term 1:
All students take the compulsory modules and usually take optional modules.

Compulsory modules are:
- Clinical Trials
- Epidemiology in Practice
- Extended Epidemiology
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health .

Optional modules include:
- Demographic Methods
- Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.).

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Study Design: Writing a Proposal (compulsory)

- Slot 2:
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (compulsory)

- Slot 3:
Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases*
Medical Anthropology and Public Health*
Social Epidemiology*
Spatial Epidemiology in Public Health*
Applied Communicable Disease Control
Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health
Medical Anthropology and Public Health; Nutrition in Emergencies
Tropical Environmental Health

- Slot 4:
Environmental Epidemiology*
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases*
Genetic Epidemiology*
Design and Evaluation of Mental Health Programmes
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights; Globalisation & Health; Nutrition Related Chronic Disease

- Slot 5:
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*
AIDS
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries
Integrated Vector Management
Principles and Practice of Public Health

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tepi.html

Residential Field Trip

This course has a compulsory two-day residential retreat outside London. This is held on the Wednesday and Thursday of the first week in Term 1. This is included in the £200 field trip fee.

Day field trip to Oxford

A one-day field trip to Oxford usually takes place in November during reading week. Students are encouraged to attend but it is not a compulsory part of the course.

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a written research project on a topic selected in consultation with their tutor, for submission by early September. This can be a data-analysis of an adequately powered study, a study protocol, a systematic review or an infectious disease modelling study. Students do not usually travel abroad to collect data.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mse.html#sixth

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In a world where global transport links allow rapid movement of people and animals, disease can spread more quickly than before and is harder to control than ever. In such a world there is a growing need for trained epidemiologists at the front line of disease surveillance.

The UK leads the way in providing this training and, in order to meet the demand for skilled professionals, the RVC has developed a unique postgraduate veterinary epidemiology course, delivered jointly with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

Under the microscope

This demanding masters in veterinary epidemiology programme is led by veterinary epidemiologists and supported by policy makers from the forefront of UK government and you will gain a fascinating insight into the work of the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, formerly AHVLA). Your areas of study will combine LSHTM’s strengths in epidemiological principles and communicable disease epidemiology, with the RVC’s expertise in veterinary epidemiology, animal health and production.

The course

All students are required to study the core units and usually the recommended units. Students are advised to take at most one optional unit unless they are very familiar with the content of several core or recommended units.

Term one core units:
- Extended epidemiology
- Statistics for EPH
- Epidemiological aspects of laboratory investigation
- Surveillance of animal health and production
- Data management using epi-data
- Communication skills in epidemiology

Recommended unit: Public health
Optional units: Epidemiology in context, Introduction to computing

Term two core units:
- Animal health economics
- Epidemiology and control of communicable diseases
- Statistical methods in epidemiology
- Applied risk assessment and management

Term three core unit:
- Advanced statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology

Recommended units: Modelling and dynamics of infectious diseases, Methods of vector control


Projects - you will spend the second part of the year working full-time on an individual project with the guidance of a supervisor. If you have been sponsored by an employer, you may undertake a project related to your work.

Assessment - you will be assessed by two written exams in June, six in-course assessments throughout the year, and a project report with oral examination in September.

How will I learn?

You can choose to complete the Veterinary Epidemiology post-graduate course over one year full-time study, or part time over two years.

All participants begin the course in September. Over three terms, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. Both MSc and Diploma students complete the Term One foundation module. MSc students then complete a further five compulsory modules over Terms Two and Three, while Diploma students complete a further four modules, with some module choice available.

Students on both courses sit written examination papers in June, after which the veterinary epidemiology MSc students will work on a research project from June to August, culminating in an oral examination in September.

Part-time students attend the course full-time from October to December in year one, followed by classes two to three days a week from January to May. You will usually study the remainder of the course in year two, including the summer research project (MSc students only).

We recognise the need for flexibility, however, and are happy to tailor your part-time study to meet your specific requirements (subject to agreement with the course director).

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

- Demonstrate and understand the key concepts underpinning the discipline of veterinary and medical epidemiology
- Select an appropriate study design when confronted with an epidemiological research question and develop a detailed study protocol capable of answering the research question
- Analyse and interpret epidemiological data derived from cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies
- Review critically the published epidemiological literature
- Apply epidemiological principles to surveillance, and infection and disease control, within animal and human populations
- Communicate effectively with researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds
- Communicate effectively with other people with an interest in human and animal health, including the general public and key policy makers.

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These courses provide epidemiological training for professionals in academic departments, research units, or in the health services.

Epidemiology is the key discipline underlying medical research, public health practice and health care evaluation. The understanding of its principles and practice is crucial for those involved in the design or assessment of epidemiological studies and programme evaluation. Epidemiological methods are also used to describe the size and nature of health problems, to investigate the aetiology of specific diseases, and to evaluate the impact of interventions for treating and preventing ill health.

These courses provide epidemiology training for professionals in academic departments, research modules or in the health services. They are suitable for those aiming for a career in epidemiology research, academics in other health areas and other health professionals. The courses are also of interest to people who require an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists and scientific officers in government and industry.

The aims and learning outcomes of the courses are detailed in the programme specification.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/progspec_epidemiology.pdf)
- Distance Learning prospectus (pdf) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/prospectus/lshtm-prospectus.pdf)

[[Free sessions from our Distance Learning Epidemiology course ]]
- EPM101 taster session This 10-minute taster session is taken from EPM101 Fundamentals of Epidemiology, the first core module of this Distance Learning Epidemiology course. It will introduce you to some epidemiological ideas and invite you to answer some of the questions that faced John Snow when he investigated the 1848 London cholera epidemic.

- EPM307 session on Cancer Epidemiology This 2-3 hour session is part of our Distance Learning Epidemiology module on the Global Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases. The session was jointly developed by the School and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The session covers how data about cancer are collected and used, how secular and geographic variations in cancer burden can be interpreted, the most common risk factors associated with cancer globally, and how cancer can be prevented and controlled. Note that this session includes video clips and may take a few minutes to open.

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsepp.html

Method of assessment

Assessment varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. Details are given in the module specifications.

Examinations take place once a year in June (please note: it is not possible to hold examinations at other times of year). These are normally held in a student’s country of residence. We have examination centres in over 180 countries worldwide (for details please visit the assessment and examinations section).

Examinations are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. Students taking examinations will need to pay a fee to their local examination centre. Please note that if you fail an examination at the first entry you will be allowed one further attempt.

Credit awarded

Credits will be awarded to all modules (15 credits each) and (MSc only) the project (45 credits) successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:

- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master's – 180 credits

Study materials

Most of the key study materials for the Epidemiology modules are in the form of interactive computer sessions (on CD-ROM or downloadable online), while two modules use a printed Study Guide. Workbooks, readers, textbooks and /or additional computer software (e.g. Stata) may be provided, depending on the modules studied. Materials are also provided online where possible, via the School's online learning site Moodle. Additional resources include past examination papers and Examiners’ reports, a Student Handbook and access to the School’s online library.

Flexible study

The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff.You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.

The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams, while two modules run from the beginning of January through to assignment submission at the end of August. The project work (MSc only) is carried out in the final year, with submission at the end of September.

Support

Support is available from teaching staff allocated to each module in the following ways:

- Facilitating discussion between students and answering student queries, using online discussion forums through the School’s online learning site Moodle

- Providing personalised feedback from teaching staff on assignments

- Holding real-time webinars in some modules

- Students undertaking a project are assigned personal supervisors.

Blended learning: taking modules in London

After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the 'blended learning option', which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at the School in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at the School, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsepp.html#seventh

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This is a joint programme provided by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). There is a shortage of trained veterinary epidemiologists and there are excellent career opportunities for graduates. This course provides training in essential methodological skills for the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies; and surveillance and disease control in animal and human populations.

This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma

Graduates from this course hold positions in a variety of organisations including: Ministries of Agriculture & Food; Veterinary Investigation Laboratories; Animal Disease Research Institutes; Animal Health Trusts; Veterinary Faculties in Universities and International Organisations concerned with global health (DFID, FAO, WHO, OIE, etc).

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/vet_epi_programme_specification.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msve.html

Objectives

By the end of this course students will be able to:

- design and implement epidemiological studies and surveillance systems

- analyse and interpret data from epidemiological studies

- undertake risk analysis and apply this to animal health economics

- apply epidemiological principles to disease control within animal and human populations

- give pragmatic advice on animal health linked to welfare, production and public health

- communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, researchers, politicians and other key policy makers

Structure

Term 1:
All students take the compulsory modules and usually take the recommended modules.

Compulsory modules:

Extended Epidemiology
Epidemiological Aspects of Laboratory Investigation
Surveillance of Animal Health & Production
Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health
Data Management for Epidemiological Studies
Communication Skills in Epidemiology

Recommended:
Public Health Lecture Series

Optional:
Epidemiology in Context
Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Introduction to Computing

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five compulsory study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.).

Slot 1: Animal Health Economics

Slot 2: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

Slot 3: Modelling and the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

Slot 4: Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases

Slot 5: Applied Veterinary Epidemiology

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tvet.html

Project Report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in veterinary epidemiology, for submission by early September.

Intercalating this course

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msve.html#sixth

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Infectious diseases remain a major contributor to the global burden of disease, with HIV, malaria, measles, diarrhoeal disease and respiratory infections responsible for over 50% of premature deaths worldwide. However the availability of resources for interventions is limited in comparison with the scale of the challenges faced. Over the last decade there has been increasing recognition of the value of epidemiological analysis and mathematical modelling in aiding the design and interpretation of clinical trials from a population perspective and, downstream, to guide implementation, monitoring and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. The Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases (EECID) stream provides a research-based training in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics, genetics and evolution, and computational methods. The focus of the course is inter-disciplinary, with a strong applied public health element.

Based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine, the stream provides an opportunity to learn, in a supportive and stimulating environment, from leaders in the field who are actively engaged in research and advise leading public health professionals, policy-makers, governments, international organisations and pharmaceutical companies, both nationally and internationally, on a range of diseases include pandemic influenza, HIV, TB, malaria, polio and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

This stream is linked to the Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD programme in the Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases which includes up to 5 funded studentships each year. Up to 3 further 1+3 MRC studentships are also available each year.

The emphasis of the course will be to provide a thorough training in epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics, and genetics and evolution, as applied to infectious diseases. This research-orientated training will incorporate taught material, practical sessions in statistical software (R) and C programming as well as wider generic training in the research and communication skills needed to interact with public health agencies. Through the two research-based projects students will be exposed to the latest developments in the field and will gain first-hand experience in applying the methods they are taught to questions of public-health relevance.

Individuals who complete the course will have developed the ability to:

-Describe the biology, epidemiology and control of major global infectious diseases
-Interpret and present epidemiological data
-Undertake statistical analysis of infectious disease data including applying modern methods for statistical inference
-Develop and apply mathematical models to understand infectious disease dynamics, evolution and control
-Analyse genetic data using modern techniques and interpret their relevance to infectious disease epidemiology
-Critically evaluate research papers and reports
-Write and defend research reports and publications
-Communicate effectively through writing, oral presentations and IT to facilitate further study or employment in epidemiology and public health
-Exercise a range of transferable skills

This will be achieved through a course of lectures, seminars, tutorials and technical workshops. Please note that Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates for part-completion are not available for this course.

The stream will be based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology on the St Mary’s campus of Imperial College London.

Each student chooses two projects over the course of the year from the wide range available. Students are guided in this choice by the stream organiser and their personal tutor and are advised to take contrasting projects to ensure a balanced training.

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Social inequalities in health relating to poverty and absolute and relative deprivation are major themes in research and policy debates in both developed and developing countries. This unique MSc is designed to respond to the need for trained researchers, health professionals and policy makers in the field of Social Epidemiology.

Degree information

Students gain knowledge of the various approaches to social epidemiology, and develop relevant skills in study design and data analysis, exploring the link between social environment and health, alongside a broad perspective on the social determinants of health and an ability to advocate research and policy measures in the field.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of seven compulsory modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma, seven core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), full-time nine months, part-time two years or flexible-time up to 5 years is offered.

Core modules
-Social Epidemiology: Dimensions of Inequality
-Basic Statistics for Medical Sciences
-Epidemiology
-The Social Determinants of Global Health
-Regression
-Research Methods for Social Epidemiology
-Health Inequalities over the Lifecourse

Optional modules - students choose either one of the two following options:
-Ethnicity, Migration and Health
-Advanced Statistical Modelling
-Or any relevant subject module within UCL

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project relevant to the broad area of social influences on health, which culminates in a dissertation of a maximum of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, problem solving exercises, discussions, and supervised practical work. Students are encouraged to develop research and presentation skills, and are instructed in the preparation of scientific papers. Assessment is through coursework, essays, presentations, data analysis and grant proposal exercises, and the dissertation.

Careers

The next generation of social epidemiologists, public health policy-makers and PhD students/researchers will find this innovative 12 month programme beneficial.

First destinations for graduates of the programme include governmental departments, the NHS, universities and research institutions. Many graduates continue their training as PhD students.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Public Health Officer, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
-PhD Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge
-Epidemiology Consultant, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
-Research Associate, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
-Analyst, CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information)

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL is one of the world's pioneering universities with a reputation for high quality research. Located in the heart of London it is a stimulating and exciting environment in which to study.

Epidemiology and Public Health is a friendly, thriving multidisciplinary department. Staff, specialising in epidemiology, medicine, biology, dentistry, economics, psychology, public health, statistics and sociology, aim to develop a better understanding of health and prevention of ill health through vigorous research at a global, national and local level.

This knowledge is applied via teaching, contributions to national and international health policy and contributions to the wider public understanding of health.

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What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the science that underpins a large area of medical research and public health. It describes the burden of disease at the population level and seeks to identify causes of disease which can help to inform effective interventions and high quality treatment strategies. Postgraduates from this course will have a wide range of career options, and are in demand in universities, government, national health services, non-government organisations and industry.

What is Biostatistics?

Biostatistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and drawing inferences from data for research in medicine and health. Context is vitally important as methods developed in one area of statistics can be misleading when unthinkingly applied elsewhere. For example, basic regression assumes independence whereas data on patients is rarely independent as they share common treatment pathways within e.g. hospitals. Postgraduates from this course will learn a wide range of contemporary statistical methods and, most importantly, when and where they should be applied.

What will this course teach me?

Training the next generation of scientists...

This course will train you to be a researcher with excellent analysis skills. The course culminates in a research project tailored to your chosen theme, which you will write up for publication in a journal. The project will be conducted under the supervision of leading researchers in their field.

Designed to fit an area of need, you will be attractive to future employers, whether in academic research or industry.

The curriculum

The course aims to train scientists to pursue careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health and health-services research. Students all undertake the five Common Core modules before choosing a Specialist Theme to focus on. Three further modules are then completed within the chosen Specialist Theme before moving on to the Research Project.

Common Core

This new MSc offers a common core of modules and three specialist themes (of which you choose one). The specialist themes are:

Statistical Epidemiology;
Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology and
Applied Population Health.

Modules

The taught modules for this MSc come to 120 credits in total, comprising of 75 credits of 'Common Core' modules plus an additional 45 credits from optional modules, which you will tailor to suit your chosen specialism. You will then go on to complete a 60 credit Research Project.

Your five Common Core 15 credit modules will be:

Core Epidemiology,
Introduction to Modelling,
Statistical Inference,
Advanced Epidemiology and
Professional Spine.

You will then choose a Specialist Theme and will undertake four 15 credit modules within that specialism.

Professional Spine

This is an innovative aspect of the course; it is designed to provide you with the skills and experience necessary to work effectively in research. The spine runs throughout the second semester and consists of:

◾Working in epidemiology and public health
◾Ethics
◾Critical appraisal skills for evidence review and synthesis
◾Academic writing for publication
◾Presentation skills
◾Consultancy skills
◾Management and Leadership

Research project

The course culminates in your research project, which you will start to think about in the first semester. Working in collaboration with the teaching team you will be choosing, designing, conducting and writing your research project, which you will tailor to suit your chosen specialism. You can either choose from a range of projects designed by the supervisors, or you can design one yourself.
The final outcome will be to write up a paper, suitable for publication in a journal. We will encourage you to submit the article, using our experience and reputation to augment this process.

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This programme aims to provide animal health specialists, scientists and public health specialists with an understanding of the conceptual basis of veterinary epidemiology and public health. Optional modules make the studies suitable for people from a range of professional backgrounds.

Our Veterinary Epidemiology course graduates find that the international recognition and prestige of their degree opens doors and creates opportunities in their careers.

Modules are designed for self-study using materials provided and with full support from RVC academic experts. Everything you require will be mailed to you, including textbooks and reading material. A Virtual Learning Environment and an on-line library are also available.

Under the microscope

The programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the role of veterinary epidemiology and economics in the design and delivery of effective livestock services, and knowledge of risk analysis approaches in food safety and how human health can be protected through control of zoonotic diseases. The programme also aims to equip you with skills in basic and advanced statistical methods in order to undertake epidemiological investigations and disease modelling.

The course

The course modules provide an essential introduction to a variety of approaches, methods and subjects. These modules are designed to equip you with the preliminary practical and intellectual skills necessary for progression to the next level.

Within the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc, there is a natural progression from the core modules to the optional modules. Within the selection of optional modules, there is an element of choice in subject matter and disciplinary areas of study. Although the optional modules may not in themselves be more difficult, students will develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking as they work through the modules.

You are required to study three compulsory core modules:
- Epidemiology and animal health economics
- Statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Veterinary public health

Plus four further optional modules selected from:
- Advanced statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Developing and monitoring of livestock production systems
- Economics for livestock development and policy
- Management of infectious disease outbreaks in animal populations
- Research, design, management and grant application writing
- Surveillance and investigation of animal health
- Research project in veterinary epidemiology and public health (MSc only)

How will I learn?

This course is a distance learning course, meaning that you can further your studies without attending the RVC in person.

At the start of the course, you will receive a Study Pack consisting of a study guide, reader and textbooks/CDs. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allows studies to be portable, by offering on-line access to the programme handbook, study guide, student discussion board, structured academic tutorials, as well as past exam papers/examiners reports (for the previous 2 years).

A tutorial calendar will be released at the beginning of the academic year and students are advised to plan for these sessions, as academic queries will be answered during tutorials only. Although non-compulsory, indicative study calendars are available and provide an indication of the time to spend on each section.

Examinations take place annually in October, however, the flexibility of the programme allows exams to be deferred, if necessary.

A five-year period is offered to complete the MSc degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, with an average completion time of three years. A two year period is offered for completion of Individual Modules.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to -

- Improve the health and production of livestock
- Understand the interaction of livestock with people and the environment
- Gain an overview of the factors that influence livestock production (including components on nutrition, reproduction, disease, welfare and the environment)
- Implement control strategies by integrating this knowledge with the principles of epidemiology, economics and disease control within the context of management and infrastructure
- Address the interaction between livestock and the public, in terms of zoonotic disease and clean food production
- Communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, politicians and other key policy makers
- Comprehensive appreciation of welfare and ethical issues connected with farm animal practice
- Formulate a hypothesis and undertake a research project, analyze and present data and how to develop a grant application

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Epidemiology

The Master's in Epidemiology focuses on biomedical research, examining the distribution of health and the spread of disease in both human and veterinary medicine.

In the Master's in Epidemiology you acquire extensive knowledge and practical skills in epidemiologic research design and implementation, quantitative analysis and its application to human or veterinary medicine and public health. The knowledge and skills gained form a solid basis for health research and disease control programmes, including applications in developing countries.

This two year research programme comprises such core theoretical courses as 'Study Design' and 'Modern Methods in Data Analysis.' You choose from five specializations: Clinical Epidemiology, Veterinary Epidemiology, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Pharmacoepidemiology or Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology. You undertake a practical research project (which may be completed at an external company or research institute), that results in a publishable scientific paper. A final Master's thesis based on a literature review of a relevant topic completes the programme. Graduates may go on to a PhD programme, or a position as an epidemiologist in various settings. This programme is also offered in a 1.5 year post graduate format.

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Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of diseases in populations and their underlying causes, and its application to disease prevention and control.

The MSc in Epidemiology offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases.

It is particularly suitable for students who wish to acquire skills in epidemiology and biostatistics and wish to get involved with research projects.

In the first term, all students follow a common core pathway covering epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and infectious and chronic disease epidemiology.

In the second term, you either continue your studies in a common pathway or follow a specialised stream in Biostatistics, Environmental and Chronic Disease Epidemiology, or Infectious Disease Epidemiology.

The third term consists of a research project.

Upon completion of this course, students usually develop an academic career by beginning a PhD or move on to work for public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies or non-governmental agencies.

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Our Epidemiology MRes is a research-based course with a taught component that is equivalent to an MSc. It provides a springboard into a career that involves a working knowledge of scientific research.

The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences or other science disciplines, and for intercalating and fully qualified MBBS or BDS students. It can be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as an entry route onto a PhD or MD.

The taught component of the course includes subject-specific content in the area of epidemiology. You have the flexibility to develop your own bespoke course by selecting additional, complementary modules. You will also participate in training in general research principles, and other professional and key skills.

You will study a subject-specific module in clinical epidemiology that provides theoretical and practical understanding of:
-The value, theoretical basis and practicalities of epidemiology
-Approaches to epidemiological research

It covers the basic epidemiology of cancer, children's health and adult onset diseases, with an emphasis on practical application.

Your research project comprises the major element of the course. This project will involve 24 weeks of research in an area of epidemiology under the supervision of an expert academic researcher in the field.

The course allows you to experience an internationally competitive research area, predominantly in academia but also potentially in industry.

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ONLINE OPEN DAY: 17 MARCH 2016

Would you like to know more about the Master programmes of Wageningen University, join us for the Master online open day on 17 March 2016! During the online open day you can meet the staff and students of the Master programmes, experience Wageningen University and check out the innovative campus. You can also ask your questions about application and admission, scholarships, the education system and much more, all online!

sign up now

http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/masteronlineopenday

MSc Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health

This is an online Master specialisation within the MSc Nutrition and Health.

Online Master

The online master specialisation is designed for part-time study (approx. 20 hrs/week) to combine work and study or in the context of Life-Long-Learning. A course-programme of 2 years will be followed by a tailor-made internship and Master thesis. The internship and thesis will together take up either 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. During the courses, you will closely collaborate with lecturers, tutors and fellow distance learning students using a virtual learning platform. The course programme includes a short stay of one week on Wageningen Campus together with the other students in this programme. There are options to organise the academic internship and Master thesis in your own professional context, either parttime or full-time.

Programme summary

Do you think it is interesting to study the role that nutrition and lifestyle play in the development of diseases? Epidemiologists try to determine such relationships in large groups of people. Epidemiology is the basic science of public health. Research results are the starting points for health advice and lead to a greater understanding of cause and effect. If it is known that certain behaviour leads to a disease, then you can quantify the impact of that behaviour and establish effective measures for disease prevention. The acquired knowledge can be used in health policymaking and intervention programmes in both developing and developed countries. You will be helping to improve the overall health of people and may be able to prevent foodrelated diseases from developing.

The master specialisation Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health addresses the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological research, both interventional and observational. It focuses on the aetiology and prevention of diseases, with specific reference to dietary patterns, nutritional factors and lifestyle. Central issues are assessment of exposure, risk factors of disease, biomarkers for health status and analysis and interpretation of major study designs. Since you need expertise and competences in both nutritional epidemiology ànd public health to be able to fully understand this domain, the study programme consists of different courses and trainings combining these two fields.

Nutritional epidemiology courses focus on the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological research, both in the clinical domain and in free living population groups. Concerning health outcomes, the emphasis is on dietrelated diseases and conditions, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and certain infectious diseases. Nutritional epidemiology is closely related to clinical research and causal inference in the biomedical domain, relevant to underpinning public health interventions in dietary patterns and lifestyle. The acquired evidence from epidemiological research has to be translated into public health policies and health promotion programmes, both at the local, national and international level. Public health courses address the design, organisation, implementation and evaluation of intervention programs that address the lifestyles of individuals (e.g., behaviour, food choice, physical activity, well-being) and/or societal context (e.g. work, school, media, policies). Public health has close relationships with methods and theories from psychological, social, economic, agriculture and political research.

Read more about the programme on our website: http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/omnh

Your future career

Graduates of the Master Nutrition and Health greatly value the research skills they acquired in the programme. After graduation, many of them begin working as researchers or PhD students. Another group becomes advisors, trainers or take up other jobs in the private sector. The majority of graduates finds employment at universities (including university medical centres), research institutes, in the public sector (WHO, NGO's, national health services) and some find employment in companies involved with nutrition and health. Graduates work in both developing and developed countries.

Alumnus Santiago Rodas.
Santiago always wanted to work with nutrition in developing countries. He worked for UNICEF and was the chair of a national nutrition programme. But then he felt the need to obtain a master’s degree in public health nutrition: “This master taught me how to use the up-to-date scientific evidence for programme design and implementation. From the courses, I acquired the technical skills to do research and from my thesis and internship at the World Food Programme (WFP) I learned how to put research into practice. Now I work as an international consultant of the Policy, Programme and Innovation Division of the WFP at its headquarters in Rome.”

Related on-campus programmes:
MSc Food Safety: http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/mfs
MSc Food Technology: http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/mft
MSc Nutrition and Health: http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/mnh
Health and Society (specialisation): http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/mhs

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Epidemiology is study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control and prevent health problems at the population level. Recognition of the importance of these study areas has led to an increasing demand for professionals with formal training in epidemiology.

This full-time course is designed to provide successful students with the necessary knowledge and specialist skills to be able to design, conduct, critique and apply epidemiological research in either a service or an academic setting.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvphmpepi

Course detail

The course is open to medical and non-medical graduates and is aimed at:

- Graduate students who wish to pursue a career in epidemiological research
- Graduate students who wish to gain an advanced understanding of epidemiological and statistical principles to underpin future research interests.
- Public health professionals who wish to gain a fuller understanding of epidemiology and its application to public health in practice
A variety of teaching and learning methods are used during the course including lectures, practical exercises, one-to-one supervisions and self-directed learning. The level moves from basic to advanced epidemiology within the three terms.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants should:
- have an advanced understanding of epidemiological theory and be able to apply it in a practical setting;
- have knowledge of current developments in epidemiological research;
- be able to identify, synthesise and critique relevant published research literature;
- be able to interpret and apply the study findings;
- have developed a critical approach to the evaluation of their own and others research work.
- have the necessary skills to be able to be able to carry out epidemiological research including:
*selection of an appropriate study design
*development of a research protocol
*collection and management of epidemiological data
*application of appropriate statistical analysis;

Format

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used during the course including lectures, practical exercises, one-to-one supervisions and self-directed learning. The level moves from basic to advanced within the three terms.

Students provide feedback after each lecture and we also have three staff-student liaison meetings throughout the academic year.

Assessment

- Term 1 – Informal Epidemiology Assessment
- Term 2 – Informal Biostatistical Assessment

- A thesis not exceeding 20,000 words in length is required and is completed in the Easter Term.
- Two essays, each not exceeding 3,000 words in length are required.
- Two written papers, each of which may cover all the areas of study prescribed in the syllabus, are taken in the Easter Term.
- Written papers, both of 1.5 hours duration

The full-time components of the course are completed by the end of July. However, to complete the course, students will be required to attend a viva in person on a date to be set in August or early September.

Continuing

Students currently studying for the MPhil in Epidemiology in the Department, who wish to continue to a PhD, are required to achieve a minimum mark of 70%

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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